This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a pet following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent individuals from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of our pets – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
